Mini Fantasy Book Haul: Recent Bookstore Finds

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Recently I took a couple PTO days and decided to spend one of them doing something I haven’t done in a while, book shopping! 

I went to a nearby Barnes & Noble with only one book in mind to buy, but I let myself browse for a while, and ended up leaving with 4 books. 

(Which can I just say, shows great restraint on my part.)

I ended up buying the book I intended to, an impulse buy, an influenced buy, and a previous soft DNF that I’d like to resume. 

So what are these books you ask? Here you go, let’s chat!

• Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
• A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden
• Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
• Babel by R.F. Kuang

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

Summary: A quirky and heartfelt fantasy about a widow named Halla who inherits a magical sword—only to discover it comes with a very grumpy warrior bound to it. 

What starts as a chaotic partnership quickly turns into an adventure full of dry humor, danger, and unexpected heart.

Why I bought it: I’ve been wanting to read this book for the longest time! 

My local library only had two copies and the wait times were outstanding. So when I discovered that this book was getting published with a pretty new cover, I knew I was finally going to get to read it sooner than later. 

I started Swordheart first and am quite enjoying it. As of writing this article, I am about 30% into it and am very much looking forward to the rest of the book. 

It’s kind of giving off cozy fantasy vibes with mature characters (the FMC is 36) and even though I don’t gravitate towards cozy fantasy, I am enjoying the story. 

I very much look forward to finishing the story and writing a review for it!

A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden

Summary: A young healer is kidnapped by the enemy kingdom—and ends up caught in a web of secrets, forbidden magic, and a slow-burning attraction to a mysterious prince.

Why I bought it: This is one I’ve been seeing pop up all over my feeds lately. 

It was also nominated for Readers Favorite Romantasy on Goodreads in 2023. 

I’ve been earning to get back to my early Romantasy days. 

When the tropes weren’t so overdone and not every pairing started as an enemies-to-lovers trope. 

I miss yearning, slow burns, and strong FMCs. 

Will this book hold all the things I’m looking for? Probably not. But I’m excited to read it. 

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Summary: A lyrical and whimsical novel that blends romance, folklore, and magical realism. Water Moon follows a woman who embarks on a dreamy, otherworldly journey that reconnects her with lost love and family secrets. 

It’s a quiet, beautifully written story perfect for fans of atmospheric reads and Southeast Asia-inspired fantasy.

Why I bought it: This book was 100% an impulse by.  

I saw the cover online initially and thought it was pretty, but it instantly pulled my attention on the shelf when I was in the store. 

The story itself also sounds interesting and I am hoping that I enjoy this one. 

Babel by R.F. Kuang

Summary: A dark academia fantasy set in an alternate 19th-century Oxford; we follow Robin, an orphan from Canton, who joins a prestigious institute studying magical translation. 

But beneath the scholarly facade lies a brutal system of colonial power—and Robin must choose between loyalty and rebellion. Thought-provoking, dense, and powerful.

Why I bought it: In truth, I have actually started reading Babel.

I have a hard copy but hated how heavy it was in my hands and decided to take a break from the story.

That was 2 years ago. 

And yes, I know, I know. It’s honestly silly and kinda ridiculous, but here we are.

I have enjoyed reading Babel so far and am excited to finally finish the story and discover its ending. 

I also just love paperbacks; hard copies are meant for bookshelves, not hands. 

This was such a fun little book trip and haul. It felt so good to just roam around the bookstore and enjoy myself. 

I’d love to know if you’ve read any of these or honestly, if you’ve ever just bought a paperback because the hardcover was too heavy to hold. 

(No judgement, only solidarity!)

What’s the last book you treated yourself to? Let me know in the comments! 

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